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Lighthouse for the Visually Impaired and Blind, Inc.

General Information

Lighthouse for the Visually Impaired and Blind, Inc.
9130 Ridge Road
Port Richey, FL 34668
(727) 815 0303
http://lvib.org/

Brief Description

The mission of Lighthouse is to provide people who are visually impaired with the skills needed to achieve maximum independence. The Lighthouse provides free vision rehabilitation services to people who are visually impaired and blind, from babies to those in their senior years.
The Lighthouse has two permanent locations in West Pasco and Hernando (Brooksville) counties. Independent Living Skills classes are held at both permanent locations, as well as in community centers located in places like Zephyrhills, Dade City, and Lecanto. In addition, home-based training is provided to many individuals. Lighthouse services are provided at no cost to clients and their families.
Services include independent living skills, orientation and mobility training, braille literacy, assistive technology, job readiness, and individual counseling, support groups and regular drop-ins.
Youth programs include: Little Lighthouse – Early Intervention (Ages: 0-5); Children’s Activities (Ages: 5-13); School to Work Transition (Ages: 14-21).

Staff

Stefanie Pontlitz, Executive Director, spontlitz@lvib.org

Patty Porter, Grants Coordinator / Newsletter Editor, pporter@lvib.org

Services Offered

  • Counseling
    • Offers counseling for individuals/groups, refers for school/training placement and community services.

  • Employment/Job Training
    • Provides occupational skill development and consultation to other agencies for vocational placement.

  • Recreation Services
    • Offers arts and crafts activities, hobby groups, current events and other programs for elderly people.

  • Daily Living Skills/Independent Living Skills Training
    • Provides training in daily living/communication skills, sensory training, training in the use of low vision devices.

  • Assessment
    • Provides assessment.

  • Computer Training/Assistive Technology
    • Offers computer training and training on various devices that increase independence.

  • Consultation/Technical Program Assistance
    • Provides advice, assistance and consultative support to local schools, teachers of visually impaired students and other agencies.

  • Information and Referral
    • Provides general information about blindness and visual impairment and referrals to sources of other information and services.

  • Library Services
    • Connects clients with talking book and other reading services.

  • Community Outreach Programs
    • Conducts services such as screening and other related activities in the community to identify and assist individuals in need of assistance.

  • Professional Training
    • Offers in-service meetings to local medical personnel.

  • Assistive Products
    • Training and distribution for low vision devices and appliances (magnifiers, lighting, talking clocks, signature guides, bold paper, large-print items). Products for sale on site.

  • Travel/Orientation and Mobility
    • Provides orientation and mobility training.

  • Low Vision Services
    • Provides low vision services and adaptive devices and appliances for people of all ages experiencing low vision.

  • Support Groups
    • Support groups are provided for individuals who are blind or visually impaired, parents of children who are blind, and caregivers, spouses and other family members. One-on-one counselling is also available.